The Ofsted report acknowledges that domestic violence is a “complex area”, with drug and alcohol abuse a common factor in a number of the cases it reviewed.

But it says focusing on the needs and experiences of children is critical.

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“A failure to adequately focus on the experiences and needs of children means there is a high risk that the emotional and mental impact of domestic abuse will go unaddressed.

“Children and young people who have lived with domestic violence for several years frequently experience intense feelings of responsibility, guilt, anger and a sense of despair and powerlessness over their lives.”

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The watchdog says schools have “an essential role” in educating children about domestic abuse.

“Education for children about healthy relationships is already part of the curriculum, but it is often not part of the curriculum that is prioritised by schools,” the report warns.

What is domestic abuse?

A new law of “controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate family relationship” came into effect in England and Wales in December 2015.

It says: “Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

“The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological; physical; sexual; financial; and emotional.”

Statistics suggest that 6.5 million adults in England and Wales have experienced domestic abuse.

Eleanor Schooling, Ofsted’s national director for social care, said that while there was a lot of good work being done, more must be done to stop abuse happening in the first place.

“That’s why schools have an essential role in educating children about domestic abuse.

“I want to see a new approach to tackling domestic abuse – one which focuses more on prevention and repairing long-term damage to child victims.

“A widespread public service message is needed to shift behaviour on a wide scale.”